Mattresses in Columbia, SC

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Mlily Mattresses Columbia, SC

If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that nothing feels quite as good as a full night's sleep. When you sleep well, it sets the tone for the rest of your day. You wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go. It's almost like the world knows when you sleep well: your morning coffee hits just right, the sun shines just a little brighter, and you've got a little extra pep in your step.

Your friends and colleagues may notice, too, especially if good sleep is becoming a foreign concept for you. If it is, you're not alone - according to the CDC, people around the U.S. are in need of some serious zzzz's - more than 1 in 3 Americans aren't getting enough sleep. Perhaps even more shocking is that 40% of people fall asleep during the day once a month, according to the National Institutes of Health. Experts agree that most folks should get at least seven hours of sleep a night, but in reality, most Americans struggle to get five or six.

While some ultra-rich CEOs claim they only need a few hours of sleep a night, that's not true for most people. In fact, your body and brain will hate you if you're not getting enough shuteye. If you're feeling sluggish, unmotivated, snappy, achy, sick, or just down in the dumps, you may not be getting enough sleep. And it may not be your fault - that old, dilapidated innerspring mattress that you're sleeping on may be the true culprit.

Fortunately, Sleep King is here to help you get on the fast track to falling asleep with the ultimate comfort of MLILY mattresses in Columbia, SC.

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  • We Have the Best Selection in Town, with 5 National Vendors
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Not sure why type of mattress is best for your body and sleeping style? Our knowledgeable, friendly mattress experts would be happy to help you get started on a better night's sleep. Why not swing by our showroom and check out our wide selection of MLILY mattresses? If your traditional innerspring setup is cutting into your sleep or even hurting your back, it's time to upgrade. After all, in a perfect world, you're spending 7-8 hours a night on your mattress, and you should get the best product for the price.

What are MLILY Mattresses in Columbia SC?

When you rest on an MLILY mattress, you experience a cooler, deeper, more restorative sleep, so you can enjoy tomorrow to the fullest. Though MLILY is a global company, their local mattresses are made right here in the U.S., in facilities located in Arizona and South Carolina. Unlike many innerspring mattresses, MLILY mattresses are designed for a more supportive sleep while wicking away moisture and fighting off-putting odors.

While many large, mainstream brands you see on TV are built using outdated technologies, MLILY mattress and pillow products are produced using proprietary machinery built exclusively for MLILY. This machine uses precise cutting technology, ensuring that your mattress is the right size for your body and the right price for your budget. Plus, without ozone depletes, lead, mercury, or heavy metals, MLILY foams are manufactured to be safe for you, your spouse, kids, pets, and the environment. It doesn't get much better than that!

At Sleep King, we offer a number of different MLILY mattresses, including:

Mlily Mattresses Columbia, SC
Foam Collection

The Foam Collection

These specialty foams give you superior sleeping support, long-lasting durability for years of sleep, and rejuvenating comfort to keep you rested and ready for the day.

The Hybrid Collection

The Hybrid Collection

These unique mattresses feature individually pocketed springs that transform traditional innerspring mattresses into a whole new level of comfort and rest.

The Kids Collection

The Kids Collection

Kids need great sleep too! This collection includes happy designs and endless flexibility, creating the perfect foundation for families to create memorable bedtime memories.

The PowerCool Sleep System

The PowerCool Sleep System

This fan-powered sleep system lets you experience sleep like never before, keeping you cool on even the hottest nights.

Have questions about MLILY mattresses? Contact Sleep King today or simply stop by our showroom to get the full rundown of this incredible brand. Whether you're a side sleeper with spine problems or a back sleeper not getting enough sleep, there's an MLILY mattress in Columbia SC that can help. Remember, at Sleep King, we sell MLILY mattresses at a deep discount, so you can get a good night's rest without going into debt.

5 Ways to Tell If You Need a New Mattress

Take a moment and think about all the different things that have happened in your life over the last decade. Maybe you graduated college or got the job of your dreams. Perhaps you got married or moved to a new home in a new state. But if you're like the average person, one thing remained the same: your mattress. It might be surprising to hear, but the average lifespan of a mattress is between seven and ten years.

Letting go of your old, worn-out mattress might be hard, especially if it's served you well over time. As with most products, however, nothing lasts forever. But how do you know when it's time to ditch your old bed and choose a new MLILY mattress in , SC? Here are just a few of the most common reasons that customers tell us when it comes to buying a new bed.

Pungent Odor

Pungent Odor

Is your mattress starting to smell less like roses and more like the dirty socks in your hamper? When your mattress gets smelly, it's most often a result of mold, fungi, and mildew buildup over time. There's not too much you can do to avoid this from happening, especially if you live in a humid climate. So, the next time you change your sheets, give your mattress a sniff. If it smells funky, it's time to upgrade.

Saggy Mattress

Saggy Mattress

If your mattress has a noticeable sag, it's a surefire sign that you need to get a new mattress. Mattresses sag because, over time, coils begin to weaken, and memory foam loses elasticity. If you lay down on your bed for a moment, get up, and your bed sags instead of returning to its original appearance, your mattress is nearing the end of its life.

Pain

Pain

Waking up in pain is basically the an thesis of what a mattress is supposed to do. Due to wear and tear over time, even the best mattresses lose their ability to support your body. If you've been waking up with dull aches and pains in your hips, lower back, or shoulders, it's a red flag. Finding a comfortable, supportive mattress like an MLILY Fusion Lux is of utmost importance.

Tossing and Turning

Tossing and Turning

Constantly moving side-to-side or switching positions in the middle of the night is a great way to get your partner angry. It's also a big sign that you need to consider buying a new mattress. Like the supportiveness of our mattresses, general comfortability also lessens with usage and time. Here's the truth: You shouldn't need to toss and turn to get comfortable in your bed. If you are, your mattress has probably declined in quality and needs replacing. You shouldn't ever have to put your sleep health on the line for an uncomfortable mattress.

What are the Benefits of a Good Night's Sleep?

It might sound obvious, but the #1 reason why people choose to buy a new mattress is to get better sleep. Sleep, in and of itself, is a bit of a mystery - somehow, our bodies just know when it's time to clock out for the day and go to sleep. But if you've been sleeping on a poor quality or dilapidated mattress for long enough, you might have become used to the feeling of lackluster sleep. If that sounds like you, we're here to tell you that you're missing out.

Getting a great night's rest is one of life's little pleasures, but according to experts, it's also much more than that. If you swear by limiting your sleep to be more "productive," you may be doing yourself a disservice.

Better Heart Health

When you don't get enough sleep on a regular basis, it can lead to serious heart issues like high blood pressure and even heart attacks. Why? Because poor sleep causes your body to release cortisol. This stress hormone causes your heart to work harder. That's great in some situations, but long stretches of poor sleep are quite bad for your heart. Like other parts of your body, your heart needs to rest in order to function correctly.

Mlily Mattresses Columbia, SC
Mlily Mattresses Columbia, SC

Boosted Immune System

Getting a cold is never fun. But if it feels like someone slapped your head with an anvil when you get the sniffles, you may need better sleep. When you get great sleep, the proteins and immune cells in your body have a better chance of fighting off things like the common cold and flu. Your immune system also helps mitigate symptoms like runny noses, congestion, headaches, and more. Without the right sleep, symptoms from colds and cases of flu will be much worse.

Improved Mood

Do you roll out of bed and feel like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh? You're probably not getting great sleep. When you sleep well, you wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to attack the day. Your energy levels are high, making life's little annoyances more manageable. And when you're not annoyed, you're typically not angry. When you're not angry, you're only a half-step away from being happy. So, put on our PJs and get to bed early on an MLILY mattress in , SC. Your friends and family will thank you!

Mlily Mattresses Columbia, SC
Mlily Mattresses Columbia, SC

Increased Productivity

Earlier, we mentioned how some people purposely lose sleep so that they can be more productive. On the surface, that makes some sense since you have more hours in the day to dedicate to work. However, burning the midnight oil again and again is a bad idea. Eventually, you'll start making mistakes that an afternoon pot of coffee won't fix. Instead of cutting your sleep short, try getting more. Studies show that great sleep is linked to higher cognitive function and improved concentration. If you're not purposely limiting your sleep, it's time to ditch that old mattress and swing by Sleep King.

Supercharge Your Weight-Loss Efforts

Getting eight or more hours of sleep doesn't mean you're going to lose lbs. overnight. But getting better sleep can seriously help with your diet or weight loss goals. When you get poor sleep, your body creates a hormone called ghrelin that causes you to get hungry. It also lowers the amounts of leptin in your body, which is a hormone that lets you know you're full. With great sleep, these hormones remain balanced, so you don't wake up finding for a sugary bowl of Captain Crunch.

Mlily Mattresses Columbia, SC
Mlily Mattresses Columbia, SC

Choose Sleep King for MLILY Mattress Lowest Price Guaranteed!

If you're sick of mediocre sleep and want to take on tomorrow with a fresh mind, better sleep begins with MLILY mattresses in Columbia SC. When you trust our mattress store in Columbia for MLILY mattresses, you're already taking the first steps towards better sleeping habits.

From cold-to-the-touch mattresses like the Fusion Luxe to popular hybrid bed options like the Fusion Supreme Hybrid Mattress, Sleep King has got you covered. With a vast selection of bed frames, adjustable bases, bedroom decor, and even whole-home furnishings, you won't have to look anywhere else besides our showroom in Columbia. One look at our prices, and you'll understand why we're South Carolina's go-to choice for premium mattresses like MLILY. Call or visit our location today to get started on your journey to healthier sleep.

Order Now phone-number (843) 822-7636

Latest News in Columbia, SC

SC State Fair beefs up annual scholarship fund by $200,000

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina State Fair announced the first increase to its statewide college scholarship fund in a decade, upping it from $300,000 to $500,000, on March 7.Each year the State Fair awards scholarships to 50 students across the state. Starting this year, the scholars will receive $10,000 over four years, a $4,000 per student increase from last year, about a 67 percent boost.“Our commitment has always been to education and making an impact on future generations. We are honored to expand this program a...

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina State Fair announced the first increase to its statewide college scholarship fund in a decade, upping it from $300,000 to $500,000, on March 7.

Each year the State Fair awards scholarships to 50 students across the state. Starting this year, the scholars will receive $10,000 over four years, a $4,000 per student increase from last year, about a 67 percent boost.

“Our commitment has always been to education and making an impact on future generations. We are honored to expand this program and create more opportunities for each of our scholarship recipients,” State Fair board President Cantey Heath Jr. said.

The hike in scholarship funds came on the heels of the State Fair’s return and bounce-back year following the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith attributed the $200,000 bump partly to new attractions separate from the annual fair, which started after the main event’s return from the two-year slump.

“Some of our newer events, such as the Spring Fair Food Drive Through and Carolina Lights, are enabling us to bring in additional revenue, which ultimately reflects in how much we are able to invest back in our community,” Smith said.

Any high school senior in the state can apply for the scholarship, dubbed the “Ride of Your Life Scholarship” by the State Fair. With nearly $5 million awarded over the past 25 years, the scholarship is partly need-based and partly based on academic and extracurricular achievement. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and enroll in at least 30 credit hours each academic year.

The 50 recipients will each be paid $2,500 per year for tuition, housing, computers or textbooks at a South Carolina college or university.

“Although I had exemplary grades ... I still had some funds missing,” said Chelsea Gourdine, a 2022 recipient of the scholarship and Keenan High School graduate. “The Ride of Your Life Scholarship has really given me the opportunity fulfill my education dreams.”

“I always dreamed of going to college, escaping my hometown and furthering my education. With the Ride of Your Life Scholarship, I’m able to do that,” said Sheridan Carpenter, a Lander University student out of Edgefield County who also received the scholarship last year.”

The application deadline for the S.C. State Fair scholarship is March 15.

COLUMBIA — Richland County will consider a $90 million proposal for apartments in downtown Columbia near the South Carolina State Museum.

The development, known for the time by code name Project Wichita, would be built on nearly 6 acres at 1409 Huger St. owned by South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., according to documents filed with Richland County.

The document does not say how many units the development will have but the proposal does call for a 643-space parking garage and 42 surface-parking spaces for downtown visitors.

Environmental remediation on the site, which once housed a gas plant, is part of the proposal, as is a small park. There are also road, water, sewer and electric improvements planned.

To help cover the cost of these improvements to public infrastructure, valued at $21.6 million, the developer is seeking a 10-year, 50 percent tax credit.

The project marks the third multifamily development proposed around The Vista entertainment district on downtown Columbia’s west side.

Developer Ben Arnold wants to build a 183-unit apartment complex on property he owns near the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The University of South Carolina Development Foundation has plans for a 938-bed student apartment complex called Gadsden + Greene near Colonial Life Arena. And where Huger and Blossom streets meet, a St. Louis-based developer is gathering approvals for a 960-bed college apartment complex called VERVE Columbia.

Richland County Council is expected to take the first of three required votes on the proposal on March 7.

The city of Columbia will also have to sign off on the deal.

10 Fun Facts About Columbia, SC: How Well Do You Know Your City?

Are you curious about the history and fun facts of Columbia, SC? Whether you’re a resident or a visitor looking into the Columbia housing market, this city is full of hidden gems and interesting tidbits that are sure to pique your interest. From its role in the hot air balloon flight history to the unusual outdoor ice hockey game, Columbia has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. On t...

Are you curious about the history and fun facts of Columbia, SC? Whether you’re a resident or a visitor looking into the Columbia housing market, this city is full of hidden gems and interesting tidbits that are sure to pique your interest. From its role in the hot air balloon flight history to the unusual outdoor ice hockey game, Columbia has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. On the other hand, its reputation as the “Soda City” and the site of the world’s largest boiled peanut statue are just a few of the fun facts that make this city so unique for those looking to move into a new house or condo in Columbia. Keep reading to discover 10 fun, historical facts that will help you get to know Columbia, SC a little better.

1. Columbia is known as “Soda City”

Columbia is known as the “Soda City” because of its many soda fountains and its history as a hub of the soft drink industry. Columbia has a long history of being a major player in the soft drink industry, dating back to the early 20th century when the first Coca-Cola bottling plant in the state was established in the city. Today, Columbia is home to several unique soda fountains and craft soda makers, making it a great destination for anyone who loves sweet, bubbly drinks. The city’s nickname “Soda City” reflects its deep connection to this industry and the pride it takes in its unique soda culture.

2. The city is home to the world’s largest fire hydrant

The city is also home to the world’s largest fire hydrant, which stands at 39 feet tall and weighs 6,750 pounds. The giant fire hydrant was installed in 2001 in front of the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park as part of an effort to beautify the city and promote public art. The hydrant is not actually functional, but it has become a beloved landmark and a popular spot for photo ops. The fire hydrant’s bright colors and whimsical design make it a unique and eye-catching addition to the city’s landscape.

3. The world’s first recorded hot air balloon flight took place in Columbia

Columbia was the site of the world’s first recorded hot air balloon flight, which took place in 1784. The flight was conducted by French brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, who had developed the technology for hot air balloons. The Montgolfiers demonstrated their invention in Columbia, in front of a large crowd of spectators who were amazed by the sight of a hot air balloon rising into the sky. Today, Columbia celebrates its place in aviation history with several monuments and events dedicated to the Montgolfier brothers and their pioneering flight.

4. The “World’s Largest Boiled Peanut”

The city is home to the “World’s Largest Boiled Peanut” statue, which stands at 10 feet tall and weighs over 1,000 pounds. Boiled peanuts are a Southern delicacy, and Columbia takes its love of this snack food to a whole new level with its giant boiled peanut statue. The statue, which was installed in 2009, is made from fiberglass and depicts a giant peanut in a boiling pot. It has become a popular photo spot for tourists and a quirky symbol of the city’s love of boiled peanuts.

5. Columbia was named after Christopher Columbus

Columbia was named after Christopher Columbus, but it was almost named “Washington” after George Washington. When the city was founded in 1786, its founders chose the name “Columbia” to honor the explorer Christopher Columbus. However, there was some debate about the name, and some members of the state legislature argued that the city should be named after George Washington instead. Ultimately, the name “Columbia” stuck.

6. Columbia Inferno brought hockey to the heart of the city

The city is home to the Columbia Inferno, a minor league ice hockey team that once played a game on an outdoor rink in the middle of Main Street, in downtown Columbia. The Columbia Inferno was a professional ice hockey team that played in the ECHL from 2001 to 2008. In 2007, the team made headlines when it played an outdoor game against the Charlotte Checkers in the middle of Main Street. The game was a huge success, with thousands of fans turning out to watch the action. While the Columbia Inferno no longer plays, the team’s legacy lives on, and the city continues to support a thriving sports culture.

7. The South Carolina State House is a shining symbol of resilience

The South Carolina State House has a unique feature – a giant copper dome that was added in the 20th century to replace the original wooden dome, which was destroyed in a fire. The South Carolina State House is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Columbia, and its copper dome is a major reason why. The dome, which stands 180 feet tall, was added in 1903 to replace the original wooden dome, which was destroyed in a fire in 1865. Today, the dome is a symbol of the state’s resilience and its commitment to progress and innovation.

8. Columbia has rich architectural heritage

Columbia is home to the world’s largest collection of Robert Mills-designed buildings, including the South Carolina State House and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Robert Mills was a prominent architect and engineer who designed several important buildings and monuments in the United States, including the South Carolina State House and the Washington Monument. Columbia is proud to be home to several of Mills’ most significant works, and visitors to the city can see these historic buildings up close and learn about the architect’s life and legacy.

9. The Columbia Marionette Theatre brings the city puppetry magic

The city is home to the Columbia Marionette Theatre, a puppet theater that has been entertaining audiences since 1988. The Columbia Marionette Theatre is a unique cultural attraction that offers performances featuring beautifully crafted marionettes. The theater has a loyal following, and its shows are popular for all ages. The Columbia Marionette Theatre is a testament to the city’s commitment to the arts and its dedication to preserving and promoting cultural traditions.

10. Columbia has some of the best savory southern food

Columbia is known for its vibrant food scene, with many unique local dishes like “chicken bog,” a rice and chicken dish, and “pimento cheese,” a spread made from cheese and peppers that is a southern favorite. Columbia is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of restaurants and eateries serving up delicious cuisine from around the world. However, the city is particularly proud of its local dishes, which reflect the region’s rich culinary history and its love of bold flavors and hearty fare. Whether you’re a fan of classic Southern cooking or international cuisine, Columbia is sure to have something to satisfy your appetite.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

Group of North Columbia renters face uncertain future after gas leak

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A group of tenants in north Columbia is stuck between a city evacuation order, a non-communicative management company, and the prospect of having to relocate.They live in apartment units at 1218 Hyatt Avenue. Columbia city officials confirmed code enforcement and the Columbia Richland Fire Department were called to the property last week, finding a gas leak and code violations.WIS has requested a submitted Freedom of Information request for specific information on the extent of the gas leak and code viola...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A group of tenants in north Columbia is stuck between a city evacuation order, a non-communicative management company, and the prospect of having to relocate.

They live in apartment units at 1218 Hyatt Avenue. Columbia city officials confirmed code enforcement and the Columbia Richland Fire Department were called to the property last week, finding a gas leak and code violations.

WIS has requested a submitted Freedom of Information request for specific information on the extent of the gas leak and code violations. Residents tell WIS the gas (and as a result the heat) has been cut off in some units, but how many units remains unclear.

In the aftermath, the city’s code enforcement division left evacuation notices on the doors of some of the tenants. It mandated they leave the property by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8.

It’s unclear how many tenants were provided a note, but residents told WIS some were not impacted.

As of Tuesday, Feb. 14, at least two tenants with notices to leave remain at the property. Cynthia Joyner is one of them.

She said she lacks the resources to pick up and move quickly.

“It’s very hard and strange you know when you’re paying your rent money for people to, excuse me, for people to take advantage and you call them and expecting that you’re going to get some kind of response and you’re not getting nothing,” she said.

It’s unclear if the city has provided Joyner or her neighbor Terrence Cunningham with an extension to stay at the property.

Cunningham expressed similar concerns about the ability to move.

“Our plan is to just see what comes next. This has been a very stressful and emotional experience,” he said.

They tell WIS the management company has largely been non-responsive in the aftermath of the gas leak.

Richland County records show the property is owned by the Brooklyn-based Indigo 52 LLC.

S.C. Secretary of State records show its local agent is the Texas-based Registered Agent Solutions but provide a Lexington County address.

WIS went to the address, finding a man who said he accepts mail and legal services on behalf of Registered Agent Solutions for Indigo 52.

Registered Agent Solutions declined to provide WIS information on how to contact Indigo 52. Attempts to contact the company with the phone numbers provided to tenants were unsuccessful as well.

The Columbia non-profit Building Better Communities has been in contact with residents to help facilitate resources.

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Road Trip to South Carolina Up Next for No. 21 Gators

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 21 Florida women's tennis squad will hit the road this weekend, heading north to Columbia, S.C., for a noon ET matchup with the No. 32 Gamecocks on Saturday, March 11 at the Carolina Tennis Center.SERIES HISTORY VS. SOUTH CAROLINA Florida (6-3, 1-1 SEC) and South Carolina (6-5, 1-1 SEC) meet for the 52nd time in program history on Saturday, with the Gators holding a 46-5 lead in the overall series. The Orange & Blue have won the last two matchups, including a tight 4...

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 21 Florida women's tennis squad will hit the road this weekend, heading north to Columbia, S.C., for a noon ET matchup with the No. 32 Gamecocks on Saturday, March 11 at the Carolina Tennis Center.

SERIES HISTORY VS. SOUTH CAROLINA Florida (6-3, 1-1 SEC) and South Carolina (6-5, 1-1 SEC) meet for the 52nd time in program history on Saturday, with the Gators holding a 46-5 lead in the overall series. The Orange & Blue have won the last two matchups, including a tight 4-3 decision last season on April 16, 2022, inside the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex. In Columbia, Florida boasts a 19-1 mark against the Gamecocks.

IMPORTANT DUB The Gators picked-up their first victory in the Southeastern Conference last Sunday, taking down No. 34 LSU in Gainesville, 4-1. After pulling away to clinch the doubles point, the home squad got victories from then-No. 61 Carly Briggs, Alicia Dudeney and Bente Spee to claim the win. Briggs' win was perhaps one of the most impressive of her career, taking down No. 11 Kylie Collins in straight sets for the 6-3, 7-5 edge.

ITA RANKINGS In the latest ITA Rankings, the Gators find themselves ranked No. 21 as a team. Individually, Carly Briggs leads the way with a ranking of No. 47, while Sara Dahlstrom and Anastasia Sysoeva both remain in the rankings as well, sitting at 119th and 121st, respectively. The doubles tandem of Briggs and Rachel Gailis also appear in this week's rankings, entering as the No. 60 doubles squad.

SEC STRONG The SEC is one of the top conferences in collegiate tennis, with 11 teams finding themselves in the latest top-75 rankings from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Among the Power Five conferences, the SEC's 11 ranked-teams are tied for the second most with the Big Ten, while the ACC leads the way with 13. Ten teams from the PAC 12 and nine squads from the Big 12 round out the Power Five conferences.

THE ROAD AHEAD Florida's upcoming schedule will continue to prove difficult, meeting four ranked teams over their next four matches. With No. 32 South Carolina awaiting on Saturday, the Gators will return home the following weekend for home matchup with No. 17 Vanderbilt and No. 53 Kentucky before welcoming No. 6 Michigan on Wednesday, March 22. By the time of their matchup with the Wolverines, the Orange & Blue will have competed against seven-consecutive opponents ranked in the ITA top-75.

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9th Grade Girl Sues SC High School Over Pledge Of Allegiance Confrontation

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The parents of a ninth grade South Carolina student who said she was accosted by a teacher for walking to class instead of stopping and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance are suing the teacher, principal, school district and state education officials.Marissa Barnwell said she was walking quietly to class and decided not to stop for the pledge or a moment of silence that followed. A teacher yelled at her, confronted her and pushed her against a wall.AdvertisementBarnwell was then sent to the pri...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The parents of a ninth grade South Carolina student who said she was accosted by a teacher for walking to class instead of stopping and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance are suing the teacher, principal, school district and state education officials.

Marissa Barnwell said she was walking quietly to class and decided not to stop for the pledge or a moment of silence that followed. A teacher yelled at her, confronted her and pushed her against a wall.

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Barnwell was then sent to the principal’s office, which she said was humiliating because she feared she was in trouble. The principal sent her back to class, but Barnwell said he never let her know that the teacher was wrong and she was right.

“I was completely and utterly disrespected,” Barnwell, 15, said at a news conference Thursday, according to The State newspaper. “No one has apologized, no one has acknowledged my hurt. ... The fact that the school is defending that kind of behavior is unimaginable.”

Barnwell’s parents are suing the River Bluff High School teacher, the principal, Lexington School District 1, and the South Carolina Education Department in federal court, saying they violated the girl’s civil rights and her First Amendment rights to both free speech or not to speak at all.

A state law passed more than 30 years ago requires public schools to play the Pledge of Allegiance at a specific time every day.

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But that law also prohibits punishing anyone who refuses to recite the pledge as long as they are not disruptive or do not infringe on others.

“The thing that’s beautiful about America is we have freedoms,” said Tyler Bailey, the family’s lawyer. “Students in our schools should feel safe, they should not be feel threatened for exercising their constitutional rights.”

Barnwell said she called her parents in tears and they said the teacher, principal or district never responded.

Lexington School District 1 said its attorney is working on a response to the lawsuit and didn’t have any additional comment. River Bluff High School’s website indicates the teacher and principal are still working at the school.

“I was just in disbelief,” Barnwell said, adding that she told the teacher, “Get your hands off of me.”

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